Let me start with a quote from the UN women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka at the launch of women leading Africa Programme in Namibia on 24 October, 2013. She said ” We need more women leaders! When women lead side by side with men, it is good for equality and democracy. It is good for peace and stability. It is good for decision. When women and men make decision together, the decisions better reflect and respond to the diverse needs and rights of the entire population.”
Studies have shown that investing in girls and women creates a ripple effect that yields multiplying benefits not only to the individual women but also for families, communities and countries. There is no doubt that strong women leadership in organisation are more effective and efficient.
In my last post, it was evident that women’s representation in national leadership has been on the decline. It is imperative that all stakeholders must pursue the implementation of the national gender policy based on affirmative action and create an enabling environment to increase women’s political participation in 2019 election
The gender policy provides that at least 35% of positions should be reserved for women. This must be implemented immediately by the present administration and increase gradually to 50% by 2030. Civil Society Organisations and women led groups must embark on aggressive advocacy and sensitization to ensure the implementation of the gender policy.
Furthermore, there is need to gain men’s support for women’s empowerment. Achieving gender equality is not just for women only; both men and women must work hand in hand as champions for gender equality.
Also, the need to establish or reinforce women’s political caucus must be addressed. This provides a platform to increase women’s impact on political decision and peer support necessary to promote a gender equality legislative and political agenda. The women’s caucus will serve as a multi-partisan grassroot platform for recruiting, training and support women who seek for elected and appointed offices at all levels of governance
The challenges limiting women participation in politics are multifactorial and there is need for a comprehensive approach involving political, economic, cultural and social dimensions. I will address the economic dimension in my next write up.
Women should be active everywhere
Women are active everywhere, but they are seldomely in leadership positions
They are not..
Lets say no to gender inequality
Yes
The 35 percent by the previous administration was met, even at that i suggest the participation of women in Nigerian politics be increased to 45 percent
Exactly
Looking at the track record Women have alot to offer this nation if only they could be allowed to be part of the system without fraustration
Its just a pity africa system do not belife in the leadership of woman.
Lets try and change the situation
Yes oooo
Great write up Grace! Talking about women in politic caucus, what do we do about that? We need to begin to make the recommendations publicly so that it can become a reality. I strongly believe that the women caucus will provide an environment for encouraging, grooming and supporting women in politics, so let’s air the idea. Can we begin by launching a hashtag on that?
Yea, a hashtag won’t be a bad idea. So many great campaigns today gained popularity through such.
That said, I am of the opinion that women should be more active in political corridor. Women got to fight for this and of course, they can!
He4She one of the Hashtag.
Exactly
You are right
Yes
Let’s discuss on this further.
When and where?
I think women advocacy groups should be more vocal in insisting that successive government grant women the appropriate percentage of leadership positions in our nation.
if the system can belife in the leadership of women then things will start forming shapes.
U r right
Exactly
Yes, that is right.
Good recommendation, we need to get like minds and begin the campaign. Better still, let’s discuss it on the floor of the governance group
Exactly!
Inclusiveness is the way forward
Of course it is
Lets give women chance
Nice write-up.
Thank you to everyone that has contributed, we will keep advocating till we get a gender equality in our society.
Okay, nice
Amazing write up.